KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 – Download Paper 1 and Paper 2 Key PDF

The KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on 6 October 2026, just two days after the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) written examination held on 4 October 2026. This provisional key covers both Paper 1 (General Knowledge) and Paper 2 (General Kannada, English & Computer Knowledge) across all 12 version codes. Candidates who appeared for the RPC/General Cadre exam can now download the official PDF, cross-check their responses, calculate their estimated scores, and raise objections against any disputed answer — but only until 8 October 2026 (10:30 AM). This guide walks you through every step.

RPSC Deputy Jailor Final Answer Key 2026 – Paper I & II PDF

What Is KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 and Why It Matters?

The KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 is the official document released by the Karnataka Examinations Authority that lists the correct answers to every question in the VAO written examination. It enables candidates to self-evaluate their performance, estimate their expected marks, and challenge any answer they believe is incorrect — before the final merit list is published. KEA releases a provisional answer key first, which candidates can formally challenge within a specified window, followed by a final answer key after reviewing all valid objections.

The 2026 VAO recruitment is for 572 Group-C posts in Karnataka’s Revenue Department — one of the most competitive state government exams in the region. Because the written examination is the sole merit-determining stage (no interview round), every single mark counts. Estimating your score accurately from the provisional answer key helps you gauge whether you fall within the expected cut-off range and prompts you to raise timely objections if any answer appears incorrect.

WBPSC Miscellaneous Answer Key 2026 Out – Download Prelims Provisional PDF & Raise Objection

KEA releases a single combined PDF covering both Paper 1 and Paper 2 along with the official notification. The PDF is organised by version codes (A1 through D3), so candidates must carefully identify their version code from their question booklet cover page before cross-referencing the key. Using the wrong version code will produce incorrect score calculations.

Who Should Download the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026?

The KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 is essential for every candidate who sat for the exam. Here are the specific profiles who benefit most from downloading and reviewing it without delay:

• 🎓 RPC/General Cadre Candidates who appeared on 4 October 2026 and want to estimate their score before the official result is announced.
• 📝 Candidates with Borderline Scores who may be close to the cut-off and need to calculate precisely whether they are within the selection range.
• 🔍 Aspirants Who Noticed Questionable Answers during the exam and want to verify whether they have valid grounds to raise a paid objection before the 8 October deadline.
• 📊 Repeat Applicants and VAO Coaching Students who want to analyse the question paper and answer key to understand the difficulty level and question pattern for future preparation cycles.
• 🧑‍💼 Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre Candidates awaiting their own exam on 25 October 2026 — reviewing the RPC key and question paper gives them a valuable preview of the expected standard and topic distribution.
• 👩‍🎓 Karnataka PUC / 12th-Pass Candidates preparing for government jobs in the Revenue Department who want to track this recruitment and understand the selection benchmark for 2026.
• 🏫 KEA Exam Coaching Institutes that need the official answer key to provide accurate post-exam analysis, live verification sessions, and cut-off prediction reports for their students.
• 📱 Parents and Guardians of Candidates who want to help their ward review responses against the official key and identify if any objection is worth raising before the deadline closes.

KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 – Important Dates and Complete Timeline

The objection window for the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 is only 48 hours — missing it means you permanently lose the right to challenge any disputed answer. Keep every date below carefully noted:

KEA VAO Exam Pattern 2026 – Paper 1 and Paper 2 Structure

The KEA VAO 2026 written examination consists of two merit-determining papers, each carrying 100 marks and 100 questions with a 2-hour duration. Understanding the exam structure helps candidates accurately calculate their score from the provisional answer key — especially accounting for negative marking on wrong answers.

Marking Scheme and Score Calculation:

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Wrong Answer: −0.25 marks (0.25 negative marking per incorrect response)
• Unattempted Question: 0 marks (no penalty for skipping)
• Score Formula: Total Score = (Correct Answers × 1) − (Wrong Answers × 0.25)
• Minimum Qualifying Marks: 35% of total competitive marks = 70 out of 200

In addition to the two competitive papers, candidates who did not study Kannada as their first or second language up to SSLC must pass the Compulsory Kannada Language Test (held separately on 22 August 2026). This test carries 150 marks, with 50 marks as the minimum pass mark. It is qualifying in nature — its marks are not added to the competitive merit score.

How to Download KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 PDF – Step-by-Step Guide

The KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 PDF is available at the official KEA website and can be downloaded in under 3 minutes. Before starting, locate your version code (A1, B1, C1, D1 etc.) printed on the cover of your question booklet — you need this to find the correct section of the key.

1. Open the Official KEA Website — Go directly to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea or kea.kar.nic.in in your browser. Avoid third-party download websites, as fake answer keys have circulated on social media and WhatsApp.
2. Find the VAO Answer Key Link — On the homepage, look under “Latest Updates,” “Notifications,” or the “VAO Recruitment 2026” section for the link titled “VAO – 2026 (RPC) Examination Key Answers with Notification” or “VAO Written Examination Provisional Key Answers.”
3. Click the Download Link — Click on the link to open the combined answer key PDF. Your browser will either display it inline or prompt a download depending on your settings.
4. Identify Your Version Code Section — The PDF contains answers for all 12 version codes: A1, B1, C1, D1, A2, B2, C2, D2, A3, B3, C3, and D3. Navigate to the section matching the version code on your question booklet’s cover page.
5. Cross-Check Your Answers — Compare each question number from your version against the correct answer listed in the key. Mark each as correct, incorrect, or unattempted for accurate score calculation.
6. Calculate Your Estimated Score — Apply the formula: Score = (Correct × 1) − (Wrong × 0.25). This gives your raw estimated score out of 200 competitive marks.
7. Save the PDF — Download and save the provisional answer key PDF. You will need it as a reference if you file any objection against a specific question.

How to Raise Objections Against KEA VAO Provisional Answer Key 2026

Candidates who believe a particular answer in the KEA VAO 2026 provisional key is incorrect can formally challenge it through the KEA online objection portal. The window closes on 8 October 2026 at 10:30 AM — this deadline is strict, with no extensions. Act immediately if you plan to raise objections.

1. Visit the KEA Objection Portal — Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea and locate the “VAO Answer Key Objection 2026” link under latest updates. The objection portal is typically a separate login-based interface.
2. Log In With Your Credentials — Use the registration number (application ID) and password or date of birth that you used during the VAO 2026 online application.
3. Select the Question to Challenge — Choose the paper (Paper 1 or Paper 2), then select the specific question number and your version code that you wish to challenge.
4. State Your Justification Clearly — Enter a precise explanation for why the given answer is incorrect, citing the specific resource (textbook name, page number, or official circular reference) that supports your claim.
5. Upload Supporting Documentary Proof — Attach a clear PDF copy of the relevant page from your reference material. Objections submitted without attached proof are automatically rejected by KEA without review.
6. Pay the Objection Fee Online — Pay Rs. 25 per objection via the integrated online payment gateway. This fee is non-refundable under all circumstances — including when your objection is accepted and the final answer key is revised in your favour.
7. Submit and Save Your Receipt — Submit the objection and immediately save or screenshot the confirmation page with your transaction ID. This serves as proof that your objection was filed within the deadline.

KEA VAO Paper 1 vs Paper 2 – Detailed Comparison Table

Both papers carry equal weightage in the final merit calculation, but they test entirely different skill sets. Knowing how they compare helps candidates accurately assess their relative performance across each paper and estimate where their stronger score lies.

KEA VAO Salary 2026 – Pay Scale and Monthly Benefits

One of the biggest draws of the 572 KEA VAO 2026 posts is the attractive Karnataka Government pay scale. The Village Administrative Officer is classified as a Group-C post under the Karnataka Revenue Department, with a two-year probation period and National Pension System (NPS) benefits upon regularisation.

The actual monthly in-hand salary varies based on the posting district’s city category, applicable DA rate at the time of joining, and standard deductions (NPS contribution, income tax if applicable). The Village Administrative Officer role also comes with significant non-monetary benefits — job security, social respect in the community, and structured promotion prospects within the Karnataka Revenue cadre.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Checking the KEA VAO Answer Key

The provisional answer key is a powerful tool when used correctly. Here is a balanced look at the advantages and the limitations candidates should keep in mind:

✅ Advantages:

• Accurate Score Estimation Before Results: Candidates can calculate their expected score using the formula (Correct × 1) − (Wrong × 0.25), helping them plan their next academic or career steps without waiting weeks for official results.
• Transparent Error Correction Mechanism: The objection window is a safeguard against examiner errors. Well-documented objections have successfully changed answers in KEA’s previous final keys, benefiting multiple candidates on the merit list.
• Builds Public Trust in the Exam Process: Publishing a provisional key before the final result promotes accountability and reduces post-result disputes — a best practice adopted by all major government recruitment bodies in India.
• Valuable Study Resource for Future Exams: The question paper and official answer key together form an authoritative practice resource for aspirants preparing for the next KEA VAO cycle, Karnataka government exams, or similar Revenue Department posts.
• Early Decision-Making for Candidates Far Below Cut-Off: Candidates who estimate their score well below the expected cut-off can immediately redirect their preparation efforts toward other upcoming exams rather than waiting anxiously for results.

❌ Disadvantages / Limitations:

• Extremely Short 48-Hour Objection Window: The window from 6 to 8 October 2026 gives candidates very little time to research disputed answers, gather supporting documents, and file formal objections — especially for those who need time to access reference materials.
• Non-Refundable Fee Regardless of Outcome: The Rs. 25 per question fee is non-refundable even if KEA accepts the objection and revises the final answer key, creating a financial disincentive for candidates with multiple potential challenges.
• Provisional Key May Change Before Final Results: Score estimates based on the provisional key may not match the final official marks if any answers are revised. Candidates should treat provisional estimates as approximate, not definitive.

Important Terms Related to KEA VAO Answer Key 2026

Understanding the official terminology helps candidates navigate the KEA VAO answer key process confidently and stay fully informed at each stage:

• Provisional Answer Key: The initial answer key released by KEA immediately after the exam. Open to candidate objections, this version may be revised before the final key is published based on valid challenges.
• Final Answer Key: The confirmed, revised answer key released by KEA after reviewing all valid objections. This is the definitive version used to calculate official marks and generate the merit list for all 572 VAO posts.
• Version Code: A unique alphanumeric code (A1, B1, C1, D1, A2, B2, C2, D2, A3, B3, C3, D3) printed on each candidate’s question booklet cover. Question order differs by version — always match your version code to the correct section of the answer key PDF.
• Objection Fee: Rs. 25 per question, non-refundable, payable online through the KEA official objection portal when a candidate formally challenges an answer in the provisional key.
• Negative Marking: A penalty of 0.25 marks deducted per incorrect answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
• Cut-Off Marks: The minimum score required for selection, determined after the final answer key is applied to all candidate responses. KEA publishes category-wise cut-offs (General, OBC, SC, ST, PH) along with the merit list.
• RPC Cadre (Residual Parent Cadre): The general recruitment cadre covering 505 of the 572 VAO posts across Karnataka, with the written exam held on 4 October 2026.
• Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) Cadre: A separate cadre covering 67 posts specifically for the Kalyana-Karnataka region (Hyderabad-Karnataka area), with the exam scheduled on 25 October 2026.
• Document Verification: The final stage of KEA VAO selection where shortlisted candidates present original certificates to confirm educational qualification, age, category, and other eligibility criteria. There is no interview for this post.
• Karnataka Revenue Department (KRD): The employing government department for all 572 VAO posts. Appointed officers work at the village/hobli level, maintaining revenue records, supporting land administration, issuing caste and income certificates, and assisting the Tahsildar’s office.

Important Links for KEA VAO Answer Key 2026

Conclusion – Final Thoughts on KEA VAO Answer Key 2026

The KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 is now officially available — and candidates have a tight 48-hour window to verify their Paper 1 and Paper 2 responses, estimate their score for the 572 Group-C posts, and raise documented objections before the 8 October 2026 deadline at 10:30 AM. Always download from cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea, match your exact version code, and file objections only with clear, official evidence. With a pay scale of Rs. 34,100 – Rs. 67,600 and lifetime job security under the Karnataka Revenue Department, this recruitment represents a genuinely valuable career opportunity.

Bookmark this page — we update it every time KEA releases official data, including the Final Answer Key, VAO Result 2026, and merit list notification. Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre candidates should begin their final revision using the RPC question paper as a benchmark ahead of the 25 October 2026 exam.

Frequently Asked Questions About KEA VAO Answer Key 2026

When was the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 released?

The KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 provisional key was released on 6 October 2026 — two days after the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) written examination held on 4 October 2026 for the RPC/General Cadre. The answer key is available for download on the official KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea.

How many version codes are there in the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026?

There are 12 version codes in the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026: A1, B1, C1, D1, A2, B2, C2, D2, A3, B3, C3, and D3. The correct answers differ for each version because question order varies across booklets. Candidates must identify their version code from the cover page of their question booklet and match it to the corresponding section of the answer key PDF.

What is the last date to raise objections against the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026?

The last date to raise objections against the KEA VAO Provisional Answer Key 2026 is 8 October 2026 at 10:30 AM. Candidates must submit objections along with supporting documentary evidence and pay the Rs. 25 non-refundable fee per objection before this strict deadline. Objections submitted after the deadline window closes will not be considered under any circumstance.

What is the objection fee for the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026?

The objection fee is Rs. 25 per question challenged. This fee is non-refundable in all cases — including if KEA accepts the objection and revises the answer in the final key. Payment must be made through the online payment gateway on the KEA official objection portal. No offline, cash, or demand draft payments are accepted.

What does the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 PDF contain?

The KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 is a combined PDF covering Paper 1 (General Knowledge) and Paper 2 (General Kannada, General English, and Computer Knowledge). Released along with the official KEA notification, it lists the correct answers for all 12 version codes (A1 through D3). Each section shows the question number and the corresponding correct option letter for that specific version.

How do I calculate my expected score using the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026?

Use this formula: Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 1) − (Number of Wrong Answers × 0.25). The examination has 200 total questions across both papers, each worth 1 mark. Count your correct answers as +1 and each wrong answer as −0.25. Questions left unattempted carry zero — no penalty for skipping. The minimum qualifying marks for selection are 35% of the total competitive marks, which equals 70 out of 200.

Where can I download the KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 PDF?

Download the official KEA VAO Answer Key 2026 PDF only from the Karnataka Examinations Authority’s official websites: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea or kea.kar.nic.in. On the homepage, look for the link “VAO – 2026 (RPC) Examination Key Answers with Notification.” Avoid fake answer keys circulating on social media, Telegram channels, or unofficial websites — always verify the source URL before downloading.

When will the KEA VAO Final Answer Key 2026 be released?

KEA has not announced a specific date for the KEA VAO Final Answer Key 2026. Typically, the final key is published after the objection review is completed and after the Kalyana-Karnataka Cadre exam on 25 October 2026 concludes. Candidates should monitor cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea regularly for official updates. The final answer key is what KEA uses to compute official merit scores and publish the VAO Result 2026.

What is the difference between the provisional and final KEA VAO Answer Key?

The provisional answer key is KEA’s initial version released promptly after the exam so candidates can verify answers and raise objections. The final answer key is the revised, confirmed version published after KEA’s subject experts review all submitted objections and make corrections where warranted. Only the final answer key is used to calculate the official examination scores and generate the merit list for the 572 VAO posts.

Will Kalyana-Karnataka candidates receive a separate KEA VAO Answer Key?

Yes. Kalyana-Karnataka (KK) Cadre candidates will sit their own exam on 25 October 2026 and will receive a separate provisional answer key after that exam is conducted. The answer key released on 6 October 2026 covers only the RPC/General Cadre examination held on 4 October 2026. However, KK cadre candidates should download and analyse the RPC question paper and key now — it provides a strong benchmark for the difficulty level and topic distribution they can expect on 25 October 2026.

Is there negative marking in the KEA VAO 2026 written exam?

Yes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the total mark) deducted for every incorrect answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the KEA VAO 2026 written examination. There is no negative marking for questions left unattempted. Candidates should factor this into their score calculation when using the provisional answer key — accuracy matters significantly more than attempting every question.

Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) Official Website — cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea | This guide is reviewed and updated whenever KEA releases new official data. Bookmark for the Latest KEA VAO Final Answer Key and Result updates.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All data is sourced from the official KEA website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea) and publicly available government announcements. Candidates must visit the official KEA portal directly for the most current information regarding answer key downloads, objection dates, result notifications, and any changes to the selection process. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with or an official representative of the Karnataka Examinations Authority.

GSSSB CCE Answer Key 2026 Out – Download Group A & B Response Sheet

MPSC Assistant Professor Final Answer Key 2026 – Download PDF at mpsc.gov.in